A good day
Today I woke up feeling as good, if not better, than I have felt on any morning over the past few weeks – a good sign for sure. Last night I almost felt “normal”, but that’s typical of an SI joint injury – mornings are tough and things tend to feel better as the day goes on. I’m ok with continuing the slow running, I really don’t think it is hindering recovery. The best advice I read about running with a back injury:
“If running doesn’t make your back pain worse, go ahead and run.”
Injury Free Running, Runner’s World Best, p 59.
Running has not made my back pain worse – yes it’s a bit uncomfortable early in the run, but it is not making the injury worse. I will keep running but postpone the hill training and I’ll avoid hilly runs for the next couple of weeks. While I have been diligent with my stretching routine targeting my injury, today I plan to put together a stretching program for when I’m back to full mobility. I’ve learned the hard way, that stretching is vital, for me at least, and probably for you too. I’ve been pretty good about stretching my hamstrings over the past several months, but I need to focus on my quads, hips and back too – this along with a strength training program should help with any muscle imbalances and reduce the risk of further issues. I want to work the foam roller and massage balls into the routine as well. Time to start treating my body as a temple, not a tavern.
Didn’t do a whole lot today other than clean the basement. I was a good “patient” otherwise, rested most of the day. Played some family pool after supper, we haven’t done that since before the summer – it’s more of a fall/winter activity for us. We bought a pool table last winter so we could spend some family time away from the screens and it’s gotten quite a bit of use. I do enjoy heading down to the basement after supper, playing a few tunes and shooting some pool. The table will certainly begin to see more use again now that the days are getting shorter (and colder). It’s not strenuous exercise, but standing around the pool table beats sitting on the couch – most things do.
This was a good day, the best over the past few weeks for sure. Still some soreness and stiffness, but a good day.
Kashi for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, chicken parm for supper.
